Cambria & Hearst Castle by Rail

Day 1 – Coastal Train Ride, Cambria

We set out from our departure points this morning aboard a deluxe motorcoach and travel to downtown Los Angeles’ Union Station to board Amtrak’s Coast Starlight train for a memorable, five-hour rail journey along California’s spectacular coastline and through its fertile valleys to San Luis Obispo. We’ll travel along Point Conception and through Vandenberg Space Force Base where you’ll see the launch complexes and beautiful undeveloped coastline which is only visible by train. We’ll enjoy an included boxed lunch onboard along with a snack bar selling snacks and drinks. Enjoy the relaxing ride in your reclining seat or check out the view from the observation car featuring windows that stretch up to the ceiling offering unparalleled views. Upon arrival in San Luis Obispo, we’ll reboard our motorcoach and continue north along the coast to the quaint seaside village of Cambria – the artists’ colony nestled in a forest of towering Monterey Pines along a craggy stretch of California coastline. We’ll enjoy a two-night stay in a charming boutique inn that features cozy fireplace rooms with a coastal décor and a driftwood-inspired design. This oceanfront gem is located on Cambria’s Moonstone Beach, recently voted one of the ‘10 Best Beaches in California’ by the readers of USA Today. This spectacular stretch of coastline offers an easily accessible beach with driftwood and collectable shells and rocks, tide pools, a walkable bluff-top boardwalk and a spectacular vantage point for memorable sunsets. This evening we’ll enjoy an included dinner at a locals' favorite. (Lunch, Dinner)

Day 2 – Cambria, Hearst Castle, San Luis Obispo

Following an included breakfast we’ll visit Hearst Castle, the National Historic Landmark that sits above the clouds on top of “The Enchanted Hill.” This extraordinary temple to opulence and excess is an eye-popping extravaganza featuring a 165-room castle, terraced gardens, pools and a spectacular wrap-around view of California’s Central Coast. Experience what life was like as a guest of Mr. Hearst, see his personal collection of rare and ancient works of art and encounter the majesty and beauty of this historical treasure while on a docent-guided tour (space on each tour is based on availability and cannot be guaranteed). The Grand Rooms Tour is recommended for first-time visitors and features the main building, “Casa Grande” including the Assembly Room, Refectory, Morning Room, Billiard Room and Theater. The Grand Rooms tour includes a total of 140 stairs (both up and down) over a 2/3-mile route. If you require the Grand Rooms ADA tour (which has no stairs and very limited availability), please advise us at the time of booking. The Cottages & Kitchen Tour features the famous wine cellar and gigantic kitchen in Casa Grande as well as two ornately gilded “cottages” – each thousands of square feet in size – that housed the Hearst family and their guests before Casa Grande was ready. The Cottages & Kitchen tour includes a total of 193 stairs (both up and down) over a 3/4-mile route. On the Upstairs Suites Tour you’ll climb the spiral staircase to the upper levels of Casa Grande to admire Mr. Hearst’s Gothic Suite, the enchanting Celestial Suite, the main library, the della Robbia Room and a clever Duplex Suite. The Upstairs Suites tour includes a total of 367 stairs (both up and down) over a 3/4-mile route. Enjoy time at leisure to browse the Hearst Castle Visitor Center and an included screening of the resident film, Hearst Castle – Building the Dream featuring breathtaking original cinematography combined with vintage clips and stills from the 1920s and 30s The film allows the construction and history of the Castle to come to life on a giant five-story screen. Enjoy time at leisure this afternoon relaxing at the inn, taking a walk on Moonstone Beach or browsing the charming shops, boutiques and galleries in Cambria’s quaint and historic village. This evening, enjoy dinner on your own at one of the oceanfront restaurants or take advantage of motorcoach transportation to downtown San Luis Obispo’s Farmers’ Market and street faire (weather permitting). (Breakfast)

Day 3 – Coastal Sightseeing, Solvang, Journey Home

After an included breakfast we’ll enjoy a scenic ride along the coast north of Cambria to visit the elephant seal rookery at Piedras Blancas and William Randolph Hearst State Beach. We’ll then travel south to the Santa Ynez Valley and the quaint Danish town of Solvang. Known as America’s famous “Little Denmark,” Solvang features quaint old-world architectural styles and flower-lined streets to create a very walkable village. Enjoy time at leisure for lunch on your own and browsing the wonderful shops that offer imported European wares and collectibles. For a true taste of Danish culture, sample the delicious pastries offered by Solvang’s authentic local bakeries. We continue south to our drop-off points, returning this evening with many fond memories of our time on California’s beautiful Central Coast. (Breakfast)

While we make every effort to operate our tours as outlined in the itinerary, we ask for your patience, understanding and flexibility and to retain a sense of adventure while traveling with us. Situations may arise that necessitate changes to the itinerary. Should we need to adjust the itinerary either prior to or while on tour, these changes will be communicated to you and only done when absolutely necessary.